Colman Dillon

The Colman Dillon tournament is an annual celebration which marks the incredible contribution Colman has made to the development of our young hurlers in Erins Own. Colman along with others have resulted in Erins Own taking their place at the top table of the senior hurling league on three occasions since the clubs foundation in 1964.

Colman played on the first Erins Own team to represent the club in an East Cork championship match in 1965. This tradition echoed throughout the family. Colman’s late father ‘Jack Dillon’ played for the local school team in 1923 and won the shield that year. Colman’s sons ‘Colman junior’ and ‘John’ both played on the first Erins Own team to win the senior county championship in 1992, aswell as winning medals with Cork. John captained the Midelton CBS team which won the Harty cup in 1988.

Colman’s daughter Liz and also her son ‘Tom’ also represented the Club and the Glounthaune school through the years. It was a fitting tribute to Colman for the Glounthaune school to this year name the school field after him. “Pairc Cholmain Ui Dhioluin”

To this day Colman is still very active in Erins Own, coaching some of the underage teams. His commitment to skills development with an emphasis on field-craft has been the cornerstone for the success of Erins Own at underage and at adult level and has given many of our players the ability to comfortably take their place on inter-county teams.

Colman presenting the shield in 2016

Colman presenting the cup in 2015

2012, the year three of Colmans grandsons played for three different clubs: Kilmacuad Crokes, Liam Mellows and Erins Own.

Colman’s Golden Rules

Colman has a number of golden rules that any young person playing hurling would do well to always be aware of.

Here are a few of Colman’s gems!

Hold your head up always, your head is dormant when you’re looking at the grass!

Don’t take time or give time on the ball!

Always think ahead of your next move!

Keep your eye on the ball always even when it’s in the ref’s pocket!

Control, look and strike the ball intelligently!

Your first touch must always control the ball!

Respect the other team but leave sympathy for them at home!

If you are not on the ball; you must be in your position!

The difference between a good player and a great player is the pace at which they do things when they are on the ball!